Choose SFU Parking Before the Mountain Lots Fill Up
Compare Simon Fraser University visitor lots, parkades, FlexPass, student permits, accessible stalls, event parking, EV charging and nearby street options.
Parking near SFU is not just “find the closest lot.” The best choice depends on campus, arrival time, final building, payment method and whether you need a shuttle or accessible route.
Fast Answer: Best Parking Near Simon Fraser University
One-day Burnaby visitor: use a signed hourly/daily area and pay through HonkMobile or a pay station.
Busy weekday morning: check North first only if it suits your building. If it is full, move quickly to East, South, South Parkade or Residence West.
Student commuter: compare semester permits with FlexPass. FlexPass is better for occasional driving, while a permit is better for regular commuting.
Surrey campus: do not use Central City Mall shopper parking for SFU. Use public paid lots, legal street parking or an eligible SFU permit area.
Official Source and PDF Audit: What Was Verified
This refresh uses SFU’s official parking pages, rate adjustment pages, Burnaby parking map page, visitor parking page, student permit page, accessible parking page, Surrey parking page, Vancouver campus direction page, and official campus map resources.
Official rates
SFU’s rate page confirms hourly/daily pricing, North Lot premium pricing, evening/weekend daily max, FlexPass price and permit pricing.
PDF map support
SFU’s Campus Maps page links to the 2024 Burnaby campus directory map and 2024 accessible campus map. Use them for building, route and accessibility planning.
Visitor rules
SFU’s visitor page confirms no free parking on Burnaby campus, event-coordinator guidance, Varsity event rates and department kiosk parking.
FlexPass rules
SFU’s FlexPass page confirms valid zones, invalid zones, purchase steps, redemption steps and the 10-minute plate-change window.
Accessibility rules
SFU’s accessible parking page confirms that visitors need a valid SPARC card plus valid hourly/daily parking or a valid permit.
Competitor gap fixed
Generic parking-listing pages often miss SFU-specific permit, FlexPass, event, accessible-stall and Surrey mall-parking restrictions.
Final authority: obey posted signs, SFU’s parking system and official SFU pages. Parking rates, construction routes, FlexPass locations and event rules can change.
SFU Burnaby Parking Rates: Visitor, Daily and FlexPass
SFU lists these hourly and daily rates for Burnaby campus. Rates include TransLink tax and GST; HonkMobile may add a provider transaction fee.
| Parking option | Hourly | Daily max | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday–Friday general hourly/daily | $4.75 | $19.00 | Most one-day Burnaby campus visitors. |
| Monday–Friday North Lot | $6.00 | $30.00 | North-campus convenience when the higher price is worth it. |
| Evenings and weekends | $4.75 | $9.50 | Evening classes, weekend visits and lower-cost non-peak parking. |
| Residence West early bird | $4.75 | $9.50 | Arriving before 10 a.m. and using a walk or shuttle route. |
| FlexPass | Not hourly | 10 daily permits for $88 | Driving one or two days per week. |
Micro-help: if you need only one class or appointment, hourly may be cheaper. If you stay most of the day, compare the daily max. If you drive weekly but not daily, compare FlexPass.
Best SFU Burnaby Lot or Parkade by Destination
North Parking
- Best for
- Saywell Hall, Blusson Hall, Robert C. Brown Hall, central academic buildings and north-campus visits.
- Price note
- North Lot has a higher Monday–Friday hourly and daily maximum than general visitor areas.
- Availability note
- SFU identifies North Lot as part of a real-time availability pilot.
- Backup plan
- East Lot first, then South Lot or South Parkade if North is full.
East Parking
- Best for
- Applied Sciences, Technology and Science Complex, Cornerstone, UniverCity side and east-campus access.
- Layout note
- SFU notes East Lot has separated permit and visitor/FlexPass/hourly areas.
- Car-share note
- SFU identifies Evo car-share locations around East Lot and West Parkade.
- Backup plan
- South Parking or Residence West if East is already full.
South Lot and South Parkade
- Best for
- South-campus destinations, Discovery buildings, overflow parking and shuttle-assisted trips.
- Peak use
- SFU recommends South when North or East fills during busy periods.
- Map note
- SFU’s campus map resources list South Parking and South Parkade as distinct facilities.
- Backup plan
- Residence West if South-side options are not convenient or full.
West Parkade
- Best for
- Lorne Davies Complex, LDC Stadium, West Mall Centre, recreation, gym and west-campus events.
- Event note
- SFU visitor guidance says Varsity event special rates may apply through Honk zone 9359.
- Permit note
- Indoor permits include West Parkade among valid areas.
- Backup plan
- Residence West if West Parkade fills.
Residence West Lot
- Best for
- Residence area, west-side overflow, early-bird parking and shuttle-assisted access to central campus.
- Price note
- SFU lists Residence West early-bird at the lower daily maximum when arriving before 10 a.m.
- Permit note
- Residence West Lot permits are valid only in Residence West Lot.
- Backup plan
- West Parkade or South depending on your final building.
What to Do When SFU Lots Fill Up
SFU says many Burnaby lots are full by about 10:30 a.m. on most weekday mornings. Plan a backup before driving up the mountain.
| Arrival situation | Try first | Backup | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before 9 a.m. | Closest legal lot to your building | North, East or West based on destination | You have the best chance before peak pressure builds. |
| 9:30–10:30 a.m. | Check North/East availability | South Lot or South Parkade | Popular lots can fill during this window. |
| After 10:30 a.m. | South, Residence West or West Parkade | Use Campus Community Shuttle | This avoids repeated loops around full lots. |
| Evening class | Closest legal visitor/permit area | Check roaming and posted signs | Permit roaming and evening rates can change options. |
| Weekend event | Event instructions or West Parkade | Residence West or South | Varsity or special-event rates may apply. |
Best user move: do not keep circling North Lot after it is full. Switch once, park legally, and use the shuttle or a walking route.
How to Pay for SFU Parking Correctly
HonkMobile
Pay by app or browser using Visa, Mastercard, Visa Debit or PayPal. Some lots also support QR-based access.
Pay stations
SFU pay stations accept Visa or Mastercard only. SFU says no cash or coins are accepted.
Licence plate matters
The licence plate is the enforcement credential. Wrong plate entry is one of the easiest ways to get a citation.
SFU FlexPass: When It Saves Money
FlexPass is built for people driving to campus about one or two days per week. It is not the same as a full permit and it is not valid in every lot.
FlexPass facts
- 10 daily parking uses.
- 2026 price listed at $88.
- Provider transaction fee may apply.
- Valid until 11:59 p.m. on the activated day.
- Expires 12 months after purchase.
- No refund for unused days.
- Can be redeemed up to two weeks in advance.
- Wrong licence plate can be changed within 10 minutes after redemption.
Where FlexPass works
- East Parking visitor area.
- North Parking visitor area.
- South Parking.
- West Parkade.
- Residence West Lot.
- South Parkade.
- SFU Surrey City Centre Main Lot.
- SFU Surrey South Lot.
Not valid everywhere: FlexPass is not valid in reserved or restricted lots, Central Parkade, permit-only North/East areas, Surrey parkades, or any stall signed Permit Only.
SFU Student Parking: Permits, Waitlists and Vehicle Rules
Student parking can sell out or become waitlisted. If your preferred permit is unavailable, compare another permit, daily parking or FlexPass before committing to a car commute.
| Student permit | Total semester rate | Valid use | Important warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burnaby indoor permit | $448.00 | West Parkade, South Parkade P1/P2 and eligible listed areas | Can be waitlisted. |
| Burnaby outdoor permit | $342.00 | East, North, South and Residence West permit areas | Do not use visitor-only sections with a permit assumption. |
| Residence West Lot permit | $232.00 | Residence West Lot only | Limited to that lot. |
| SRYC Surrey permit | $326.00 | Central City Level P3 where allowed | Mall shopper parking is not for SFU. |
| SRYE Surrey permit | $326.00 | SRYE underground parkade | Access-card or fob rules can apply. |
Vehicle rules
Vehicles must be registered to a permit before they are parked on campus. Up to four vehicles can be registered, but only one vehicle may be parked with the permit at one time.
Roaming privileges
Burnaby permit roaming is in effect after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends and statutory holidays, except accessible spaces and 24 Hours Reserved spaces.
Student mistake to avoid: do not park first and update the licence plate later. Update vehicle information before parking.
Disabled and Accessible Parking at SFU
Accessible parking near SFU requires both the right stall credentials and the right campus route. Burnaby Mountain also has slopes, stairs, elevators and winter conditions to consider.
Visitor accessible parking checklist
- Display a valid SPARC card.
- Use an actual accessible visitor stall.
- Pay hourly/daily parking or use a valid permit.
- Do not use a stall marked Reserved unless assigned.
- Check the accessible campus map before arriving.
- Plan elevator and ramp routes, not only lot distance.
Student accessible parking
Students with a SPARC card who need ongoing parking accommodations can contact parking@sfu.ca. Students without a SPARC card or with temporary needs should contact the Centre for Accessible Learning first.
For Vancouver campus accessible parking, SFU points users to Vancouver campus facilities or Harbour Centre Operations support.
Map/PDF use: use SFU’s accessible campus map to match accessible stalls with accessible entrances, elevators and low-barrier routes.
SFU Event Parking and Varsity Game Parking
General events
SFU tells event visitors to check with the event coordinator for special parking arrangements.
Varsity events
Special rates may apply in West Parkade through Honk zone 9359 for SFU Varsity events.
Department guests
Departments can use SFU’s kiosk system to provide courtesy parking for guests or event attendees.
Event-day rule: event emails, coordinator instructions, posted signs and Honk zone details override a normal visitor-parking assumption.
SFU Surrey Parking: Do Not Use Mall Shopper Parking
SFU Surrey parking is different from Burnaby. Central City Mall parking is for retail shoppers only, so SFU visitors need legal public paid parking, legal street parking, FlexPass-valid lots or an eligible permit.
Visitor and daily parking
SFU identifies Surrey South and Surrey City Centre Main Lot as visitor/daily parking options near SFU Surrey. SFU also states those lots are not directly managed or enforced by SFU.
FlexPass in Surrey
FlexPass is valid at SFU Surrey City Centre Main Lot and Surrey South Lot. It is not valid in Surrey parkades or stalls signed Permit Only.
Student permits
Surrey students can purchase SRYC or SRYE permits when eligible and registered for Surrey-campus classes.
EV charging
SFU lists EV charging in SRYC and SRYE contexts, with SRYE charging limited to permit parkers with programmed access.
SFU Vancouver Campus Parking
SFU Vancouver is downtown and transit-friendly. SFU does not present it as a normal SFU-operated parking campus like Burnaby.
Harbour Centre
SFU Vancouver at Harbour Centre is close to Waterfront Station and several public downtown garages.
Nearby public garages
Use public downtown parking around West Hastings, West Cordova and Seymour. Check operator rate boards before paying.
Accessible access
If accessible parking or lower-concourse access is needed, contact Vancouver campus operations before arrival.
Local Streets Near SFU: UniverCity and Burnaby Rules
Local streets can help for quick stops, but they are not guaranteed free campus parking. Use posted signs first.
University Crescent
UniverCity commonly has short-stay street parking patterns. Always check the sign beside the exact space.
University High Street
Short-term spaces may be better for pickup, drop-off or customer visits than for a full SFU class.
Cornerstone and Hub
Business-customer parking is not the same as long-stay SFU parking. Check the posted rule and time limit.
Burnaby street rules
Use City of Burnaby signs and parking rules before relying on a general local-street assumption.
Snow and road conditions
Burnaby Mountain weather can change quickly. Check SFU traffic or road notices before winter trips.
Ticket safety
Do not trust text or email payment links that claim to be parking tickets. Verify through official channels.
EV Charging, Evo, Bike Share and Campus Shuttle
EV charging
SFU parking updates identify EV charging context across Burnaby and Surrey. Check the charger sign before plugging in.
Level 1 and Level 2
SFU notes Level 2 charging changes and Level 1 context in West Parkade for indoor permit holders.
Campus Community Shuttle
SFU FAQ describes the Campus Community Shuttle as free and wheelchair accessible.
Evo car share
SFU identifies Evo vehicle locations in West Parkade and East Lot.
MODO
SFU FAQ notes MODO vehicles around West Parkade and UniverCity.
Transit backup
Transit can be easier than parking during peak demand, special events or winter road conditions.
SFU Parking Tickets, Towing and Payment Problems
| Problem | What to do | What to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong plate entered | Correct it immediately if the system allows. If cited, gather payment proof. | Receipt, plate, zone, lot and timestamp. |
| FlexPass redeemed for wrong vehicle | Use the 10-minute change window if still available. | Honk session and plate screenshot. |
| Accessible stall issue | Confirm SPARC card was displayed and parking payment or permit was valid. | SPARC proof and payment confirmation. |
| Reserved stall citation | Reserved spaces are not daily visitor parking. Review the posted sign and citation. | Photo of sign and citation number. |
| Permit vehicle not registered | Update vehicle details before parking next time. | Permit account and confirmation email. |
| Need overnight parking | Get authorization from SFU Parking or Campus Safety before leaving the vehicle. | Written approval and vehicle location. |
SFU Parking Phone Numbers and Help Contacts
Parking and Sustainable Mobility Services
Centre for Accessible Learning
SFU Vancouver Operations
Before Driving to SFU: 60-Second Checklist
Parking setup
- Campus confirmed: Burnaby, Surrey or Vancouver.
- Visitor, student, event, FlexPass or accessible status confirmed.
- Exact lot or parkade saved.
- Current rate checked.
- Honk zone or pay-station method ready.
- Licence plate entered correctly.
- Accessible route checked if needed.
- Backup lot saved.
Arrival plan
- Peak parking time considered.
- Live availability checked if available.
- Road/traffic report checked.
- Shuttle route considered.
- Event instructions reviewed.
- Street signs checked if using UniverCity.
- Payment confirmation saved.
- Return route photographed.
Simon Fraser University Parking Google Map
Use this map for general orientation around SFU Burnaby. For final driving directions, search the exact parking lot or parkade name.
Map warning: a campus marker may route you to a building, transit loop or pedestrian area. Use the specific lot name for the final turn.
Official SFU Parking Links
Use these official links after reading the guide, so you know which source solves which parking task.
Parking Near Simon Fraser University FAQs
Is there free parking at SFU Burnaby?
No. SFU says there is no free parking anywhere on the Burnaby campus. Parking is paid by permit, pay station or app.
How much is SFU visitor parking?
SFU lists regular Burnaby hourly parking at $4.75 with a $19 weekday daily maximum. North Lot is listed at $6 hourly and $30 daily maximum.
Which SFU lot should visitors try first?
Choose by destination. North works for north/central campus, East works for east-campus and UniverCity side, South is a good backup, and West Parkade is useful for athletics and west-campus events.
What is SFU FlexPass?
FlexPass is a 10-use daily parking multipack. SFU lists the 2026 FlexPass price at $88, with provider transaction fee possible.
Where is FlexPass valid at SFU?
FlexPass is valid in listed Burnaby visitor areas, South Parking, West Parkade, Residence West, South Parkade and listed Surrey outdoor lots. It is not valid in reserved, restricted or permit-only spaces.
Can SFU students buy semester parking permits?
Yes. Eligible students can buy permits when available. SFU lists Burnaby indoor, outdoor and Residence West permits, plus SRYC and SRYE permits for Surrey.
Is accessible parking free at SFU?
No automatic free parking is stated. Visitors using accessible stalls need a valid SPARC card plus valid hourly/daily parking or a valid permit.
Can SFU Surrey visitors park at Central City Mall?
No. SFU Surrey says Central City Mall parking is for retail shoppers only. SFU visitors should use public paid lots, legal street parking or eligible SFU parking.
Does SFU Vancouver have its own parking?
SFU Vancouver is downtown and transit-friendly. Use nearby public garages and verify operator rates before paying.
Who do I contact for SFU parking help?
Contact SFU Parking and Sustainable Mobility Services at parking@sfu.ca or 778-782-5534 for permits, FlexPass, citations, accessible parking and event parking questions.
Independent Parking Information
Parking Guide Hub is not Simon Fraser University, SFU Parking and Sustainable Mobility Services, HonkMobile, City of Burnaby, UniverCity, TransLink or any parking operator.
Rates, permit availability, event parking, construction, FlexPass zones, EV charging, local street rules and enforcement practices can change. Verify time-sensitive details through official SFU pages and posted signs before parking or paying.
Visit the Parking Guide Hub homepage for more parking guides.